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A weekend to remember our roles as stewards of our environment

Top photo, Whale Museum volunteer Robin Jacobson exhibits an Odd Fellows banner at The Whale Museum today, during the celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Whale Museum, Friends of the San Juans and the San Juan Preservation Trust. The banner dates back to about 1892, when the Whale Museum was built as the Odd Fellows Hall. Middle photo, Jana Marks of Friends of the San Juans, Jenny Atkinson of The Whale Museum, and Kathleen Foley of the San Juan Preservation Trust introduce board members. Bottom photo, little Eva Seifert touches blubber at an exhibit table (it was actually shortening), with the help of her mom, Sonya, and museum docent Lauren Sands.

— image credit: Richard Walker

Earth Day is April 22, and several events are being held through the weekend as a precursor to the Big Day.

“Sustainable San Juans: Greening Your Home, Business and Food,” began today at The Whale Museum with a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the founding of The Whale Museum, the San Juan Preservation Trust and Friends of the San Juans.

A stewardship fair and workshop is scheduled Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Friday Harbor Middle School. The fair will feature displays from local stewardship groups and green businesses, as well as presentation of the 2009 Good Steward Awards, a lunch prepared by the Experience Food Project and local chefs, and a series of workshops on how to live green at home, in the kitchen and at work. Registration is $5 before the event or $10 at the door.

Sustainable San Juans is sponsored by the Stewardship Network of the San Juans and the San Juan Island Community Foundation.

To register, call 378-2319 or visit www.stewardshipsjc.org.

Also on Saturday, Earth Day Creation Fest is 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gardens at Ackley’s Corner, 76 Gilbert Lane, Friday Harbor.

Ackley’s Corner is a community garden facilitated by local organic food advocates in partnership with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which owns the land. Barbara Low said the event is a “free event for people who appreciate our earth and its Creator.” The event will feature children’s activities, free food and workshops.

— Flowers and Ancient Gardens on Lopez Island, 2-5 p.m. Meet at Agate Beach County Park on the south end of Lopez Island. Free. Call 468-2808.

— A Sampler of the New Trails at Roche Harbor, 2:30-4 p.m. Meet at the parking lot across from the OPALCO station at the corner of Roche Harbor and West Valley Roads, San Juan Island. Meet Mike Buettell.

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